Black-footed Ferret

Black-footed Ferret

Mustela nigripes

Status: Endangered

Population: Approximately 370 in the wild

This little ferret is one of the most endangered mammals in North America. It was once thought to be globally extinct. It continues to be threatened by habitat loss and disease. The ferret feeds on prairie dogs. State and federal agencies, zoos, Native American tribes, conservation organizations and landowners have given black-footed ferrets a second chance for survival, the World Wildlife Fund says.